The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Dec. 5, 2025
U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar faced years in prison, accused of taking $600,000 in bribes from two foreign companies. President Donald Trump just pardoned the Democrat December 3rd, after which Cuellar filed for reelection.
Cuellar, a powerful and popular 11-term Texas Democrat, had his home raided in 2022. In May 2024, the Biden Department of Justice announced a dozen charges against Cuellar and his wife Imelda, including bribery, wire fraud, acting as an unregistered foreign agent, and money laundering. He allegedly took $600,000 in payments from an oil and gas company owned by the government of Azerbaijan, and a bank headquartered in Mexico City, hiding the payments as sham consulting contracts for work purportedly done by his wife. If convicted, the couple faced decades in prison.
Earlier this year, the Trump DOJ dropped charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, accused of similar charges, after a Florida meeting Adams had with the President. Shortly after, Adams pledged city cooperation on immigration enforcement. Seven career DOJ prosecutors resigned after the appearance of a quid pro quo.
Given the Trump quest for more GOP U.S. House seats, it’s notable that Cuellar still filed for reelection Wednesday as a Democrat. The congressman has supported stronger border enforcement, which Trump noted in his social media announcement.
We’ve linked the Biden DOJ’s 2024 indictment at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org I’m Brian Beihl
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Texas Tribune – (2022) FBI raid portends political and legal challenges for U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar
American Democracy Minute – (2024) Shades of Corruption: Menendez & Cuellar Prosecuted for Accepting Cash & Cars; Trump Reportedly Promises Climate Rollbacks for $1B in Campaign Contributions from Big Oil with Repercussions Unlikely
Biden U.S. Department of Justice – (2024) U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar Charged with Bribery and Acting as a Foreign Agent
Texas Tribune – Donald Trump to pardon Texas Democrat Henry Cuellar
Politico – Henry Cuellar will seek reelection as a Democrat after Trump pardon
President Donald Trump on Truth Social – Announcement of Pardon for Congressman Henry Cuellar
Pew Research – Majorities of Latinos Disapprove of Trump and His Policies on Immigration, Economy
Groups Taking Action:
Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW)
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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